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Media Releases

... if these leaders were really so committed to preserving and promoting marriage and family, why aren't they offering marriage and childcare services for free? Why aren't they calling for a repeal or modification of T&T's divorce laws? Why aren't they ejecting or excommunicating members of their congregations who are "living in sin" or who have more than one wife?. "See Letter"

... if these leaders were really so committed to preserving and promoting marriage and family, why aren't they offering marriage and childcare services for free? Why aren't they calling for a repeal or modification of T&T's divorce laws? Why aren't they ejecting or excommunicating members of their congregations who are "living in sin" or who have more than one wife?. "See Letter"

If denominational schools are really so committed to preserving their religious identities, they should refuse State funding and depend on students' fees instead. Then, short of harm, nobody can tell them what to practise and preach. "See Letter"

Homophobic attitudes and legislation are widespread among former British colonies. The issue therefore inevitably presents a challenge to the Commonwealth, and an opportunity for that organisation, faced as it is with accusations of irrelevance, to emphasise its key virtue: the vigorous promotion at world level of respect for human rights. "See Letter"

In the matter of Jones vs. the State on Section 6 of the Constitution, the Trinidad and Tobago Humanist Association congratulates Jason Jones, our LGBTQ community leaders/organisers, folk and allies in the struggle to reclaim their innate Humanity and dignity respected by the laws guaranteed in our Constitution. "See Letter"

T&T's new President Paula-Mae Weekes surprised many (and may have discomfited a few) with her reference to Humanists in her inaugural speech. We remember US past president Barack Obama made similar reference to the non-religious in his own inaugural speech of 2008. Our President was right in her assertion that Humanists, like the religious, want the best for our nation. "See Letter"

While Mr Carmona is entitled to his religious beliefs in his private capacity, as President of the Republic he took an oath to serve all citizens of the nation. So when he singles out a group of persons defined by their non-religiosity, who may number anywhere between 26,000 and 90,000 persons according to how census data is interpreted, he sends a message that such people are not entitled to all the rights enshrined in the Constitution. "See Letter"

In this day and age, people who profess a religion should embrace only the humane aspects of its dogma, not use the bloodthirsty passages of scriptures derived from more primitive eras and circumstances to justify impulses of hatred and cruelty. How many more young Muslim men will become cannon fodder for ISIS? "See Letter"

In a rare, if indeed not unprecedented, display of firm leadership, Prime Minister Keith Rowley stopped one of his Ministers from unilaterally making government policy and, more importantly, pointed a path forward based on rational discussion. "See Letter"

Although the parents of the student in the Naparima Boys College controversy have denied being atheists, it is apparent that the teacher felt secure in making threatening remarks about homosexuals and non-believers because this kind of bigotry is considered acceptable by many people in the school and the wider society. "See Letter"

The TT Humanist Association will be hosting a lecture by Denis Solomon, on “The death penalty, constitutional reform, and humanism.” Venue is the AV room of the National Museum, Port-of-Spain, on Saturday 12 February 2011 at 6:00 pm. The public is invited. More Info and related articles by Denis Solomon…

The TT Humanist Association will be hosting a workshop to discuss the psychological barriers which underlie bias, credulity, and poor decision-making. The workshop will take place at the National Museum, Port of Spain, on Saturday 29 January 2011, from 6 pm to 8 pm. Members of the public are invited to attend. More Info…

Essays

Fourteen-year-old Zachary Subran-Ganesh was last given a Lesovo netbook on February 27 for his excellent essay, organised by the Trinidad and Tobago Humanist Association. The topic was “People can be good without God. Discuss”, and Zachary made a well-researched and logic argument. Along with his mother, father and sister (also a non-religious young individual), Zachary came to our HQ at Shane’s, where he was presented with the netbook by Association chairman Kevin Baldeosingh. Zachary was particularly pleased to get the netbook, since he wants to use it for his school work. … "See Essay"

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Media Releases 2011

What religions are to be taught? Will sects within each main religion be included? Is Buddhism, which acknowledges no Creator, considered a religion? What about Rastafarianism, in which smoking marijuana is a key ritual? And, if the intent is to teach value systems (as distinct from belief systems) would humanism be included, given that this is the philosophy which underpins the most tolerant societies in the world, and tolerance is the ultimate goal stated by the Education Minister? … "See Letter"

The death penalty has been condemned by all international human rights organisations, and is on the decrease worldwide. In nations where capital punishment has been abolished, politicians have done so for several reasons: (1) executing criminals does not reduce crime rates; (2) since no justice system is perfect, innocent persons will be executed; (3) executions are cruel. … "See Letter"